Houstonia caerulea L.

Azure bluet, Quaker-ladies, Bluets

Synonym(s): Hedyotis caerulea, Houstonia caerulea var. faxonorum

This small, delicate perennial is found growing in compact tufts, 8 in. high. The plants may cover broad expanses. Tiny flowers are pale blue with yellow centers, tubular, four-lobed, solitary, and terminal. Spatula-shaped leaves occur in basal rosettes. Stem leaves are small and the stems are unbranched.

This lovely, delicate, flowering plant is often found in striking patches of light blue. The Star Violet (H. pusilla), to 4 (10 cm) high, has a tiny purple flower and occurs in fields and open woods from South Dakota east to Maryland and south to Florida and Texas. A tall southern species, 6-16 (15-40 cm) high, Large Houstonia (H. purpurea), has 3-5, ribbed, opposite,ovate leaves, and white or pink flowers. It occurs from Nebraska northeast to Maine and south to Florida and Texas. These and certain other Houstonia species have sometimes been placed in the genus Hedyotis.

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade Soil Moisture: Moist Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8) Soil Description: Moist soils. Conditions Comments: Bluets do well when grown among grasses of lawns and fields, but care should be taken not to mow them before they have set seed. Bluets are sometimes planted as a delicate, attractive addition to rock gardens.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Plant seeds outside as soon as ripe or store, stratify and sow in the spring. Seeds should be sown at a shallow depth. These seedlings will germinate the first year and flower the second. Propagation by division is accomplished by digging the plants in Seed Collection: Approximate collection date in northern U.S.: Late Jun. to mid Jul. Seed Treatment: Moist stratification. Commercially Avail: yes